Implication of photic sneeze reflex in ophthalmology

BACKGROUND: Photic sneeze reflex (PSR) also known as autosomal dominant compelling helioophthalmic outburst is a rare condition characterized by uncontrolled sneezing in response to bright light. The exact mechanism causing this is poorly understood. However, various hypotheses have been proposed. Ophthalmic examination involves exposing the patient to bright light like slit lamp, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and surgical microscope, which can trigger sneezing in PSR patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of this video is to draw light to this rare phenomenon and its implication in ophthalmic surgery SYNOPSIS: A 74-year-old male patient presented with diminution of vision in left eye. On routine slit lamp and IDO examination, patient had repeated sneezing. We diagnosed him to have photic sneeze reflex. He had pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in the right eye and senile immature cataract in the left eye. Taking into consideration his one eyed status and PSR, measures were taken accordingly and cataract surgery was performed uneventfully. We describe in this video the challenges encountered with this phenomenon and approach in such cases. HIGHLIGHTS: In this video, we tried to give an idea about photic sneeze reflex and its theories. Also, we tried to bring out the impact of PSR on ophthalmologic practice VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/KMZ_PC0hzhI